The Ultimate Guide to Paleo Snacks

Without a doubt, the most frequent question we get at UPG is about snacks.

“What are appropriate snacks?”

“When am I supposed to eat snacks?”

“Snacks for me are easy, but what about kid-friendly ones?”

It’s worth noting that snacking is not necessary following the Paleo diet. When it comes to eating snacks, it’s best to listen to your body. If you notice you get hungry between breakfast and lunch, then by all means, enjoy a snack. But if your meals are keeping you completely satisfied, then snacking is not essential.

Nutrition in general is completely individualized, and what works for you might not work for someone else. There is no standard time to snack.

Remember – Paleo is a lifestyle. Success comes when you make it fit YOUR life.

Know What’s Paleo

That being said, the first key in knowing how to snack on the Paleo diet is having a firm understanding of the Paleo guidelines. We’ve covered this relentlessly, so if you need a refresher, this is a good place to start.

Be sure to download the paleo.io app, the #1 Paleo app, so you always know what’s Paleo.

Keep it Simple

Snacks are especially handy when you are on-the-go or traveling. Having pre-made options can keep you from resorting to something not as Paleo friendly. Things that can be kept in purses, handbags, or backpacks and can stay fresh over an extended amount of time are especially great to have.

Keep it Balanced

The secret to a satisfying snack? Healthy fat, fiber (from fruit and veggies), and protein! Aiming to have this combination during each snack helps keep your blood sugar stable and promotes satiety. An apple is a great (and super easy) snack option. But, take it to the next level and eat it with a handful of nuts or a couple tablespoons of raw nut butter. Apples have a healthy dose of fiber and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Nut butter contains both protein and healthy fats. Boom.

Use the chart below to build the perfect snack. Your goal: hit at least two out of the three columns. Achieve ultimate snacking success by hitting all three columns! Doing this will not only provide you with essential macro- and micronutrients that will keep you healthy and your body functioning optimally, but it will also ensure you stay satiated until your next meal.

While helpful, this list is by no means comprehensive. Don’t be afraid to get creative or think out of the box!

Fruit/veggies

Healthy Fats

Protein

Apple

Nut butter (no sugar added)

Hard-boiled eggs

Berries (fresh or frozen)

Raw nuts

Jerky

Baby carrots

Avocado

Smoked salmon

Celery

Guacamole

Slices of turkey/ham

Bell pepper

Unsweetened shredded coconut

Can of tuna/salmon

Sweet potato

Coconut butter

Sardines

Kale chips

Olives

Bacon

Sugar snap peas

Pumpkin/sunflower seeds

Seaweed

Bananas

Olive/coconut oil

Prosciutto

Roasted brussel sprout chips

Chia/hemp seeds

Full-fat, fermented yogurt

(not Paleo, but an option if you tolerate dairy)

A few of my favorite combinations include:

Baked sweet potato topped with almond butter and shredded coconut

Raw veggies dipped in guacamole

Canned tuna mixed with mashed avocado

Berries with prosciutto

Quality and Convenience

As much as we would like to avoid packaged, processed foods on a Paleo diet, having the convenience of grab-and-go Paleo snacks is also nice. Here are some favorite snack brands/options that are Paleo approved:

Do you have any favorite go-to snacks that I missed? What’s your favorite combination?

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About Chelsea Brinegar

Chelsea is the Paleo Nutritionist and Health Coach for UPG and Paleo Meal Plans. After falling in love with a Paleo lifestyle three years ago, she quit her marketing job and moved to Portland, Oregon, to pursue a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine. When she’s not helping people through her nutrition coaching business White Hot Wellness, she can be found cooking (or eating), lifting barbells, or hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest.